A TIPTOE INTO JOSHUA TREE AND THE HOT TUB

Drove across the Parker Dam, this was one of the few dams still open for traffic. Most have been closed after 9/11. This dam is the deepest structure in the world at 235’ but is not very long and does not have a big water level drop. Most of the depth is under water. It is very narrow and closed to commercial traffic and RV’s. We were lucky they didn’t stop us and that we fit between the width restriction barriers at the approach. Drove down the California side of the river from Parker dam, one of the scenic routes and we saw some wild burros again. Saw a foal nursing off the mare and decided to stop for lunch. The power of suggestion! 

We crossed a bridge into Parker in Arizona to gas up and fill our propane tank (Less tax than California.) Went back over the bridge and kept on going right into 29 Palms at the north entrance to Joshua Tree Nat. Pk. We were told the temp. that night would go below freezing into the high 20’s. We did a re-think and decided not to go into the park to spend the night in the high country where our water lines could freeze if we didn’t winterize with antifreeze. The RV campground in town recommended by the Ranger, was a Resort so we booked one night to be able to have electric heat which helps protect our lines from freeze up. In addition to electrical and water hook ups, the resort has a tennis court, indoor pool, spa, exercise room and a golf course. It is only 2 miles from the park entrance and we could also hike during the day in the park so we decided to stay here for a week until the cold weather and rain had passed through. From truck stops, casinos and street corners, to National and State Parks and complete RV Resorts, blind travel in an RV is a roll of the dice and an adventure every day.

After we booked for a week, we played tennis and Marty broke the strings on his tennis racket within an hour. We had to drive a 40 mile return trip to get to stores which sold tennis gear. None did restring. He ended up buying a new tennis racket, with a big off season discount on the price. Marty also got a new pair of hiking shoes to replace his old worn out, squeaky shoes that were full of holes. I can start walking beside him again when we meet people on the trails, instead of dropping back and pretending that I am not with someone who looks like they could be homeless. He sometimes plays this roll well, without even knowing it. He actually threw away the old shoes but kept their ratty laces and put them into the new boots. He claims they stretch less, and give more support on rock climbs. I thing he just likes the look. Oh well, maybe he will stop bitching about my new jacket now that he has something new of his own.

Did a hike in the park today, saw an old mine and crushing mill. We hiked through an area where the ancient, twisted trees and shrubs with their roots spidering out over wind sculptured rock made us feel like Lilliputians walking through the world’s biggest Bonsai garden. Gotta go now and have a shower, spa and swim to ease the aching muscles after our hike today.

Shopping for a four wheel drive to get us up to our Time Share in Nevada.












Monday, December 7 sky looks like we are going to get the weather that was predicted. Got out early and played tennis till noon with a fellow we met in the hot tub last night. Returned just in time for the rain to start. Spent the afternoon relaxing, updating the blog and emails.

The tennis courts the next morning had ice on them. We decided to do a hike to the 49 Palms trail in Joshua Tree as the sun was shining again, although still very cool. 49 Palms is 1.5 miles one way with a 300’ rise and fall down into the oasis which had to be done again on the return. A moderately strenuous hike according to the brochure. No animals today but lots of birds.

If you look really hard you can see our van at the bottom of the valley and we hadn't yet reached the top.
Made several attempts to get a picture of the flighty wee birds at the oasis, but they moved about too quickly to get the camera focused. During one attempt I saw the shadow of a bird on a large boulder to my right. Looked left and there was one of them 3 feet away in a bush. Later identified it as a Ruby Crowned Kinglet. Didn’t get the kinglet, however, I managed to snap a picture of a canyon wren which looks just like the picture in my bird book.

We have enjoyed our respite in the resort, we have had two club house dinners, some tennis, a few swims and hot tubs and a hot shower every day. Being semi-permanently set up has made us slightly lazy and we did not hike as much as we would have had we stayed in the park. However, we can also put that down to the very terrible (for here) weather.


 
 
 
 
 

Our first view of the oasis.
 
Tomorrow (Friday) we leave here to head further south, eventually towards Quartzite and Yuma, Arizona. We are hoping to meet up with Val, Tim and Jackie for Christmas. The week here has given me time to bring the blog totally up to date. Marty finished some drawings of a drop down canoe rack for the roof of the van. We will stop tomorrow at several metal fabrication shops he has located in Indio, to see about having it made. Having a canoe would greatly expand our exploring and particularly the birding opportunities.
 

Marty living life on the edge.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Me not quite so close to the edge.